Queen Mary 2 is given a helping hand out of her berth as Queen Elizabeth waits in the background.

It was a sight to behold as Cunard's Three Queens made centre stage in Southampton on Sunday 3rd May 2015 as the company's 175th Anniversary celebrations were sparked off in style.

All three ships arrived into Southampton from their world cruises and were welcomed with heavy rain and fog as they berthed in Southampton.

All three ships spent the day berthed in Southampton before slipping their lines around 18.00 and departed in procession out of Southampton. Queen Elizabeth was the first to slip her lines and set out into the river before reversing and turning at dockhead of QEII Terminal and stopped in order for her illustrious bigger sister, Queen Mary 2 to pass and lead the procession. Queen Victoria then made her way from Mayflower Terminal and arrived just off Town Quay to allow Queen Mary 2 to pass out. There then Queen Mary 2 took the lead in the three ship procession and Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria followed suit.

The Three Queens will be meet together in Liverpool later on this month as the 175th Anniversary celebrations continue to flow.

Royal Caribbean International's Majesty of the Seas, the oldest in the 23 ship fleet, has entered emergency dry dock after an oil leak.

Royal Caribbean's spokeswoman, Cynthia Martinez, explained that the repairs taking place at Freeport, Bahamas, will "resolve an issue that is causing a small amount of bio-friendly oil to leak."As a result, Majesty of the Seas' 4-night 27th April sailing from Miami has been cancelled, with guests receiving full refunds as well as a future cruise certificate equal to the price paid for the voyage.It is currently unknown how long the ship will remain in Freeport, and whether or not any future sailings may be affected.

Once the vessel has completed her 2015 ex-UK sailings with CMV, Azores will be renamed Astoria, before officially joining the French cruise operator on 11th May 2016.

Christian Verhounig, CEO and Chairman of CMV, commented:

"We are committed to developing our international market presence and are delighted to have forged a business partnership with one of France’s most established and respected travel companies. We believe that by changing the name to Astoria the product presentation will be simpler and more in line with our smaller ship offering alongside the similarly named 600 passenger Astor in contrast to our larger mid-sized vessels; the Marco Polo and Magellan, adopting the explorer theme."

The newly-named Astoria, will operate 14 Northern Europe, Greenland, Adriatic and Mediterranean sailings from Le Havre, Dunkirk, Ostend, Bordeaux and Marseille. Prior to that, Astoria will operate a small, two month season on ex-UK sailings.

"We have been experiencing strong demand for Azores 2015 ex-UK regional summer programme. The introduction of Magellan to the fleet, which in 2016, will be operating year round, will enable Marco Polo to also be deployed regionally for part of the 2016 programme bolstering capacity and supporting Astoria’s spring season. This will increase year on year UK market capacity close to 70,000 annual carryings."

Beginning in January 2016, Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Sky will go all inclusive. Guests sailing from Miami on board the vessel, will enjoy an all-inclusive experience with free dining, shows, and beverages.

Guests 3 to 20 years of age will be able to enjoy unlimited sodas and juice throughout their cruise, while those 21 and over can enjoy unlimited premium, wines, beers, spirits and cocktails.

"We're taking Freestyle Cruising to the next level to provide our guests with an experience unmatched by any other contemporary cruise line. Norwegian Sky guests will have the freedom to enjoy a cruise vacation the way they desire - whether it's lounging by the pool with a margarita, having a laugh at a comedy show, catching up on their favorite book on their balcony, or indulging in fine dining - all included in their cruise fare."

Norwegian Sky sails three- and four-day roundtrip cruises from Miami to the Bahamas year-round. The new all-inclusive experience will also provide guests with the freedom to enjoy unlimited premium beverages while soaking up the sun on Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian's private island in the Bahamas.

MSC Divina will return to Miami in November 2015, as part of a North American expansion, just a year since MSC Cruises pulled out of the region. The 139,400 ton vessel will cruise year-round from Miami, sailing to the Caribbean.

As part of MSC Cruises expansion plan in North America, the cruise line will develop a dedicated cruise terminal at the PortMiami for their new MSC Seaside, which debuts in 2017.

Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises, commented:

"North America is a key market for MSC Cruises as the company works to double its capacity by 2022. Since the arrival of MSC Divina in Miami in November 2013, we’ve seen significant growth in the market and strong demand by consumers and travel agents for MSC Divina to sail from North America year-round. We’re thrilled to be able to meet this demand, providing more opportunity for North American guests to enjoy the unique ‘Mediterranean Style Cruise’ experience that only MSC Cruises can offer."

MSC Divina will begin sailing from Miami in November 2015, and from April 2016 through to March 2017, will operate alternate Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, with ports of call including Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Cayman Islands, Mexico, and the Bahamas.

]]>Wed, 22 Apr 2015 11:33:20 GMThttp://cruisecapital.weebly.com/news/swan-hellenic-unveils-2016-cruisesSwan Hellenic has announced its 2016 cruise itineraries, with highlights including the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Edinburgh Tattoo and an inaugural voyage to the White Sea.

Swan Hellenic's Minerva will offer 15 cruises, that visit 27 countries including Iceland, Montenegro, Cyprus and Monaco. Swan Hellenic has increased the number of sailings from Portsmouth for the Summer 2016 season, with 60% of voyages starting from the UK.

For the first time, Minerva will sail along the River Garonne, Seine and the Loire in 2016. In addition, Swan Hellenic have timed three itineraries to coincide with popular summer events, with trips to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Edinburgh Military Tattoo and the Diamond Anniversary of the Tall Ships Race.

Another first for Swan Hellenic in 2016, will be a voyage to the White Sea. Minerva will overnight in Honningsvag, the gateway to the North Cape, where guests will have the chance to witness the natural phenomenon of the Midnight Sun.

Exciting new enhancements will be added to Disney Cruise Line's Disney Dream, when she undergoes a drydock period at Freeport, Bahamas in October 2015.

The popular Oceaneer Club, will transport young cruisers between the ages of three and twelve, to a far away galaxy at the new Star Wars: Millennium Falcon. This Star Wars themed youth area, inspired by the spacecraft from the legendary saga, will enable young cruisers to sit in the Millennium Falcon's cockpit and navigate through hyperspace as well as lightspeed jumps to different locations around the galaxy.

Children will also be able to express their creativity through Star Wars-themed games and activities. They can also watch episodes from the new Disney XD animated series, Star Wars Rebels, on a large screen or virtually join the rebellion at several gaming stations. Also in the Oceaneer Club, a high-tech interactive area, called Toy Box, based on the Disney Infinity video game offers more fun for kids.

Vanellope’s Sweets & Treats will satisfy the sweet tooth of cruisers of all ages, with handmade gelato and ice cream, an assortment of candy, and delectable novelty treats for purchase.

Exclusively for adults, Deck 13 forward will include a new water feature, named Satellite Falls, similar to that already found on board Disney Fantasy. The circular splash pool underneath the ship's satellite, will feature benches and a soothing waterfall, providing a cool, relaxing escape while the kids burn all their energy in the Oceaneer Club. Also on the upper deck, adults can enjoy the sunny benefits of private sun loungers and shady canopies on the private sun deck.

The new enhancements will be in place, ready for the four-night voyage on October 26th 2015, which departs Port Canaveral sailing to the Bahamas and Disney's private island, Castaway Cay. The Disney Dream will continue to sail three- and four-night cruises from Port Canaveral to the Bahamas throughout 2015 and into 2016.

MSC Cruises has unveiled further details on their new, 'Vista Project' cruise ships, which once built will become the World's second largest cruise ships in terms of passenger capacity, after Royal Caribbean's Oasis class.

At the steel cutting ceremony for their first 'Vista Project' ship, MSC Meraviglia, due to launch in 2017, the cruise line not only unveiled the name of the ship, but also some of the features we can expect on this gigantic vessel.

MSC Meraviglia, which is being constructed at the STX France shipyard in Saint Nazaire, France, will be delivered in May 2017, homeporting in Genoa, Marseilles and Barcelona.

Pierfrancesco Vago, MSC Cruises Executive Chairman, commented:

"MSC Meraviglia will be the biggest and most innovative cruise ship ever built by a global European-based cruise line. We chose a name that denotes the sense of awe and wonderment felt when you experience the ship’s stunning features, which only an MSC cruise, with its unique Mediterranean-style, can deliver. MSC Meraviglia brings together the industry knowhow of MSC Cruises, a young, bold company built upon 300 years of seafaring tradition and the expertise of one of the most advanced shipyards in the world. Today, building started on a true maritime marvel."

Image: MSC Cruises

One of the largest MSC Yacht Club's will occupy the top decks at the front of the ship, containing several self-contained luxury duplex suites, as well as a large solarium, a private lounge and exclusive restaurant.

In addition, new cluster cabins, specifically designed for families, will enable groups to open up 3 cabins, to make one huge cabin. As well as one of the largest theatres at sea, MSC Meraviglia and the rest of the 'Vista Project' ships will feature a spectacular amusement park, which joins onto a wonderful outdoor aqua park. A 5,167 square foot LED screen will form the entire ceiling of the ship’s three-deck high interior shopping promenade.

A revolutionary first for cruising, will be the ability for parents to geo-locate their children on board the ship, as well as a unique way for guests to unlock their staterooms and make purchases, by using a smartphone app, bracelet or traditional cruise card.

Despite their size, the 'Vista Project' ships will be some of the most environmentally friendly vessels at sea. Bookings for the 167,600 ton MSC Meraviglia will open in June 2015.

A fire on board P&O Cruises' Oriana has resulted in the ship returning to the port of Miami. The incident occurred shortly before 7pm local time yesterday evening as the ship was sailing from Miami, bound for Key West.

The ship quickly reduced speed after leaving the port, and the coastguard was informed by the officers onboard Oriana that a fire had broke out in the engine room.

After requesting two tug boats, the ship was ordered to return to Miami, where a mandatory US Coastguard inspection could take place. The ship is due to leave Miami at 8am local time, and as a resutlt will miss out its scheduled stop at Key West. Oriana will now arrive into New Orleans at 9am on Tuesday.

A spokesperson for P&O Cruises explained that the fire was minor and had been localised. No passengers or crew have been injured.

The ship will return to Southampton on May 6th after a 32-night cruise.

UPDATES:

19/04/2015 @ 13:30Oriana has now left the port of Miami and is now en-route to New Orleans, where she will arrive on Tuesday at 9am local time.

A tender boat, belonging to Voyages of Discovery's cruise ship Voyager, was left grounded at a landing pontoon in St Peter Port, Guernsey.

According to ITV News, The crew on board the tender, had been asked to move into a deeper area of water, due to the low tide.

Captain Chad Murray, Harbour Master at St Peter Port, explained:

"One of the key challenges at St Peter Port was the large number of areas that dry out at low water. In the past, there were incidents where cruise tenders were grounded at the inter-island quay, where they used to embark and disembark."

Although no injuries were reported and no damage was done, the tender was stranded for around an hour before it was eventually re-floated and returned to the ship.

Carnival Cruise Line has announced its summer and fall 2015 line up for the cruise line's popular Carnival LIVE Concert Series. The shows will complement the talented spring lineup which includes Journey, Rascal Flatts, Little Big Town, Smokey Robinson and Styx.

Later this year, guests will be able to enjoy fabulous live music from rock superstars BOSTON, The Band Perry, Heart and the legendary Lionel Richie held in the ships' intimate main theatres, which range in capacity from 900 to 1,300.

Bernie Dillon, Director of Carnival LIVE, commented:

"We're thrilled to build upon the tremendous success of Carnival LIVE with concerts this summer and fall by The Band Perry, BOSTON, Lionel Richie and Heart - four incredibly talented acts that will provide our guests with an extraordinary entertainment experience."

Grammy Award winners for 'Best Country Duo/Group', The Band Perry, will perform on July 28th, 29th and 30th on board Carnival Sensation, Carnival Fascination and Carnival Magic, while the ships are docked in Nassau.

Rock superstars, BOSTON, who have sold more than 31 million records worldwide, will perform on board Carnival Sunshine, Carnival Fantasy, Carnival Sensation and Carnival Ecstasy between August 19th and 22nd in Nassau.

Multiple Grammy and Oscar award-winning singer, Lionel Richie, will treat guests on board Carnival Freedom and Carnival Pride to an intimate performance while in Nassau, performing some of his classic songs. Lionel will sing on board Carnival Freedom on October 14th and the Carnival Pride on October 15th.

Having sold more than 35 million records, Heart will perform on board Carnival Paradise, Carnival Ecstasy and Carnival Breeze, while the ships are docked in Cozumel on October 20th, 21st and 22nd.

In addition to the cruise fare, Carnival LIVE tickets range from $35 to $75 for general admission, significantly less than most land-based performances. VIP tickets are also available, which include a photo opportunity with the act, a commemorative concert pass as well as priority seating within the first four rows of the theatre.

Ovation of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International's third Quantum-class vessel, will operate a short season out of Australia towards the end of 2016 and early 2017.

The ship will sail on five cruises out of Sydney during 2016 and 2017, making it the largest and newest ship to ever sail from the region.

The ship will be based in Tianjin, China for the majority of the year, but Royal Caribbean are looking into a more long term Australian season for 2017/18 and 2018/19.

Itineraries will be announced in May, when they go on sale to the public. The ship will squeeze into the newly revamped Overseas Passenger Terminal at Circular Quay in Sydney and most of the other ports in the region, will be able to accommodate the huge cruise ship. However tender operations will have to take place at some New Zealand ports of call.

"Royal Caribbean has been breaking the boundaries in Australian cruising since we arrived in 2007 but today, we have completely changed the face of the cruise industry, making the single largest investment in Australia by any cruise line. Ovation of the Seas will completely redefine the idea of cruising in Australia, taking the industry to the next level by offering a host of incredible never-before-seen features and technologies. This demonstrates our belief in, and long-term commitment to, the Australian cruising market."

Ovation of the Seas will join Voyager of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas and Radiance of the Seas in Sydney during the winter 2016-2017 season. Legend of the Seas will be based in Brisbane, meaning five Royal Caribbean ships will sail from the region.

Royal Caribbean International's newest cruise ship, Anthem of the Seas, has arrived in Southampton for the first time. The 4,905 guest ship will spend the summer season operating out of the UK, before heading to New York.

Stuart Leven, Managing Director for Royal Caribbean UK, commented:

"Anthem of the Seas is designed to deliver what today’s holidaymakers want – new kinds of experiences and adventures, whether you’re travelling alone or as a family. Ships like Anthem of the Seas will help attract new groups of people and build the future of cruising. The UK and Ireland is our second largest market and with over 1.7m Brits now taking a cruise every year it has huge importance for our business. So we’re over the moon that our latest Quantum-class ship is arriving today for the summer season."

More than 80,000 people are anticipated to travel on the ship during the summer season, delivering around £50 million to the Southampton economy and surrounding area and creating jobs through direct and indirect employment.

Norwegian Cruise Line will relocate their London office to Southampton this summer, after rising rental costs and an expiring lease at their current Hammersmith office.

The cruise line is looking at an "opportunity to be in close proximity to the Prestige Cruise Holidays UK office," said Senior Vice President International, Francis Riley.

The cruise line would likely relocate to Southampton's Town Quay, where Regent Seven Seas and Oceania Cruises both share an office. Employees at the London office would be offered opportunities in Southampton.

Thomson Cruises has finally announced the name of their soon-to-be largest cruise ship. Thomson Discovery, currently sailing with Royal Caribbean International as Splendour of the Seas, will transfer to the Thomson fleet in summer 2016.

The new ship was announced by Thomson at the beginning of March, and is part of a modernisation strategy which will help Thomson become "a leading position in the European cruise market.”

The 1,830 passenger ship, will replace the cruise line's Island Escape, which briefly sailed with Royal Caribbean in the late 90's as Viking Serenade. Various Royal Caribbean trademarks, such as the iconic Viking Crown Lounge can still be found on the vessel.

"We’re very excited to be welcoming the ship to our fleet next summer. This is the first step in our fleet modernisation and transformation strategy and will bring an enhanced offering to our customers with more balcony cabins than ever before, a wider choice of suites, an increased number of dining options and extra entertainment and activity facilities. We are confident that our customers will enjoy sailing on the new addition to our fleet."

The new ship will bring many new and exciting features for Thomson Cruises, such as a rock-climbing wall, nine hole mini golf course, indoor swimming pool, eight bars and lounges and multiple dining options. With 40% of cabins featuring a balcony, Thomson Discovery will be the perfect ship for warm weather.

Thomson Discovery will sail from Palma De Mallorca in 2016, along with Thomson Majesty. Thomson Celebration will operate from Dubrovnik, while Thomson Dream will cruise from Corfu. Thomson Spirit will sail out of Malaga.

Thomson Cruises' 2016 itineraries, as well as those for Thomson Discovery, will be released on 23rd April.

A 67-year-old passenger is believed to have fallen overboard in the Eastern Caribbean on board Croisieres de France's Horizon.

The Irish passenger, named Dominic William O'Carroll, went overboard as the ex-Celebrity Cruises vessel was sailing from the Dominican Republic to St Maarten.

The US Coast Guard reports that a crew member on board the ship stated seeing an object go overboard at around 5am on Monday 13th April. A full passenger count took place, which identified Dominic as missing. He was caught on security cameras on board the ship shortly before the incident.

A helicopter and patrol boat searched the immediate area, approximately 16 nautical miles from the island of Vieques.

P&O Cruises Australia has announced the 2016-2017 cruise itineraries for their five cruise ships. The addition of Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden will enable the brand to offer 38 exciting itineraries, including several music-themed sailings.

On sale from 22nd April, a total of 191 sailings will be available to book. Two ships will be based out of Brisbane year-round, as well as an extended season from Melbourne and weekend cruises from Adelaide.

This is how a cruise ship puts on makeup...with the help of two painters on a very small crane. AIDA Cruises' brand new flagship, AIDAprima, recently received the cruise line's iconic bow lips, at the Mitsubishi shipyard in Nagasaki, Japan.

Image: AIDA Cruises

The new straight bow design of Aida Prima leads to a significant increase in energy efficiency, but it also meant that the artist of the signature lips, Feliks Büttner, had to tweak the design of the lips, eyes and waves.

A total of 342 liters of paint in eleven different colours were used for the hull art. The mouth of Aida Prima measures 150 sqm, with each eye covering an area of 212 sqm. In total, the entire painting extends over a length of 261 m, surpassing all previous ship paintings in the AIDA fleet.

Image: AIDA Cruises

AIDAprima embarks on her maiden voyage on October 1st 2015 from Yokohama, Japan. The unique 50-day journey ends on November 20th in Dubai., where she will spend the winter season operating seven-night cruises from Dubai and Abu Dhabi. On March 18, 2016, she begins a 38 day voyage from Dubai to her future home port of Hamburg. On April 30th 2016, AIDAprima will begin a series of seven-night cruises from Hamburg visiting various ports in Western Europe, including Southampton, Le Havre, Brugge and Rotterdam.

Royal Caribbean International has officially taken delivery of Anthem of the Seas, at a special ceremony in Bremerhaven, Germany. The addition of Anthem of the Seas, brings Royal Caribbean's fleet up to 23 stunning vessels.

Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, commented:

"It’s wonderful to welcome Anthem of the Seas to the Royal Caribbean family of ships. Just like every Royal Caribbean ship, Anthem of the Seas will deliver to guests its own distinctive set of amazing adventures, whether sailing in the Mediterranean or the Caribbean."

Royal Caribbean's Chairman and CEO, Richard Fain, along with Bernard Meyer, Managing Partner for Meyer Werft shipyard, signed the documentation that officially handed the ship over to Royal Caribbean from its current owners Meyer Werft.

Richard Fain thanked the Meyer Werft team for their new vessel, stating:

"We’ve always broken the mould with each successive ship we build, and Anthem of the Seas is no different. I would like to thank Bernard and the Meyer Werft team for their ongoing partnership in designing and building awe-inspiring ships with us."

Image: Royal Caribbean International

Anthem of the Seas will make her maiden arrive into Southampton on Wednesday 15th April, before she is named by her travel agent godmother, Emma Wilby, on 20th April. She will then sail on a two-night cruise before, her official maiden voyage on 22nd April.

The classic small ship Azores, currently on charter to British cruise line Cruise & Maritime Voyages, was seized in Lisbon on Tuesday 7th April, after an unpaid debt by the ship owners, Portuscale Cruises.

The struggling Portuguese operator - who own three other classic liners, including Funchal, Porto and Lisboa - have had to cancel their future cruise itineraries due to financial issues. All three ships are currently laid up in Lisbon.

Azores was scheduled to depart Lisbon at 7pm on Tuesday, before heading back to Bristol Avonmouth, after a 15-night cruise visiting Spain, Portugal and Madeira.

However, the captain of Azores was denied permission to leave the port by the harbour master, until the debt was paid. Eventually, Cruise & Maritime Voyages - which had nothing to do with the financial debt - came to an arrangement with the Portuguese authorities to allow permission for the ship to sail back to Bristol. The ship was allowed to leave at 2pm on Wednesday, 19 hours late.

"The delay of the MV Azores overnight in Lisbon related to a historic local issue with the vessel's owning company, Portuscale Cruises from whom Cruise & Maritime Voyages charter the ship using our own crew. This dispute involved a previous crewing issue going back to 2014 and was settled first thing this morning, but we had to wait for the clearance documentation to be signed off by the local authorities. The ship is now heading en-route back to the UK."

Guests onboard were kept informed of the situation and received access to a complimentary bar. Cruise & Maritime Voyages also helped to arrange onward travel arrangements for guests affected by the delay.

Azores has been plagued with problems since joining the CMV fleet in January 2015. Delayed maintenance work in Lisbon, resulted in her maiden voyage with CMV departing from Plymouth instead of Bristol. In February, Azores had to take shelter in Lisbon, after adverse weather in the Atlantic. This affected the proceeding cruise, which departed a day late from Portland, near Weymouth, instead of Bristol Avonmouth, as well as several ports of call along the way being changed.

The world's most luxurious cruise ship, Regent's Seven Seas Explorer, will make its North American debut on December 2nd 2016, offering an inaugural season of Caribbean sailings from Miami. Meanwhile Seven Seas Navigator will offer exotic African voyages.

After sailing its maiden voyage from Monte Carlo on July 20th 2016, Seven Seas Explorer will set sail on 10 destination-focused itineraries around the Mediterranean before traversing the Atlantic Ocean during a 16-night voyage from Rome to Miami. After arriving in her winter homeport, Seven Seas Explorer will embark on a 14-night Serene Islands roundtrip voyage on December 4th, followed by a 10-night Caribbean Dawn roundtrip on December 18th. The ship will celebrate the New Year with a 16-night Grand Canal Crossing from Miami to Los Angeles, via the exciting Panama Canal.

“Seven Seas Explorer has been a labor of love for our CEO, Frank Del Rio, Executive Vice President of Vessel Operations, Robin Lindsay and the entire Regent Seven Seas Cruises team, so it’s exciting to have this ship, the most luxurious ship ever built, make its North American debut in our hometown of Miami. With two roundtrip sailings from Miami and a maiden Panama Canal cruise, we’re providing guests the opportunity to experience the unprecedented luxury Seven Seas Explorer will offer with the convenience of departing from a domestic homeport.”

As Seven Seas Explorer makes its North American debut, Seven Seas Navigator will head to the Mediterranean - a warm change from the ships traditional residence in Alaska - sailing 20 voyages, before embarking on an exotic 24-night African Expedition to Cape Town. The ship will then operate a further two African discoveries, before heading to Miami. Guests booked in a Concierge Suite or higher will also receive a complimentary pre- or post-cruise African Safari.

Norwegian Cruise Line's recently refurbished 965ft Norwegian Star, is suffering from a technical issue with one of the ships azipods.

After recently spending two-weeks in drydock receiving a refurbishment, and routine maintenance, the ship developed a propulsion issue, which has resulted in Norwegian Cruise Line cancelling the upcoming 15-day Panama Canal cruise, scheduled to depart Los Angeles on April 12th.

According to a spokesperson for Norwegian Cruise Line, the ship will remain out of service until 26th April, while essential maintenance work is carried out. The ship will resume its scheduled 27th April sailing from Miami as normal.

Passengers on the cancelled 12th April cruise will receive a full refund plus a 50% future cruise credit.

British cruise line, Cruise & Maritime Voyages, has recently been working with the Netherlands United Tulip Society to sponsor the creation of a new, giant tulip. Suitably named Tulipa Magellanum, after their new flag ship Magellan, the CMV giant tulip can grow up to 48 inches (122 cm), nearly double the size of normal tulips - which grow up to 28 inches (71 cm).

Eric Dam, a Cruise & Maritime Voyages spokesperson, said:

“As CMV cruise all over the world, we get the opportunity to see wonderful flowers in natural surroundings such as the Amazon, the Azores, the sophistication of the Abbey Gardens in the Isles of Scilly, Monet’s Garden and many more. We would have liked to have created a blue tulip, the company colour, but it was not possible.”

The new tulip is now on display at the Vincent Van Driver garden, close to the famous Keukenhof Gardens in Amsterdam, a favourite destination for many cruise passengers.

Have a great April Fools Day! All information provided in this article is entirely fictional.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Princess Cruises and The Sound of Music, Princess Cruises will partner with Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment to screen the biggest movie musical of all time on board all 18 of its ships. As part of the celebrations, themed sing-a-longs, trivia games, and other movie-themed experiences will be hosted throughout the year.

The Sound of Music will be shown once on every sailing throughout 2015 on Princess Cruises' 300-square-foot "Movies Under the Stars" screen, while the sing-a-long version will be shown in on board theatres. Song birds can meet and rehearse for a special The Sound of Music edition of Princess Pop Choir and a themed trivia challenge will test fans movie knowledge.

Paul Ludlow, Princess Cruises’ managing director UK and Europe, said:

“Watching the von Trapps on our open-air big screen will be a unique experience for fans of the Sound of Music. In a year in which both Princess Cruises and The Sound of Music mark their golden anniversaries, this is a truly memorable way to join in the celebrations.”